Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics (Edexcel IGCSE Biology (Modular))
Revision Note
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Secondary sexual characteristics are the changes that occur during puberty
Their development is controlled by the release of hormones
Oestrogen in females
Testosterone in males
Female secondary sexual characteristics
Female | Effects of Oestrogen |
|---|---|
 | Development of breasts |
Body hair grows | |
Menstrual cycle begins | |
Hips get wider |
Male secondary sexual characteristics
Male | Effects of Testosterone |
|---|---|
 | Growth of penis and testes |
Growth of facial and body hair | |
Muscles develop | |
Voice breaks | |
Testes start to produce sperm |
Some changes occur in both males and females, including growth of sexual organs and growth of body hair
Emotional changes also occur due to the increased levels of hormones in the body
These include more interest in sex and increased mood swings
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